What do you see when you look at a piece of string?
Many years ago some friends (& cousins) had this little skit they would often joke about. Honestly, I can’t remember exactly how it came about–but I do remember the little red strings in the mason jar. As part of the “skit”–they were playing the part of what we had seen as a gimmick of some televangelists back in the day. I’m actually not sure these were on TV, maybe only radio. Anyway, for just a little $20 “love offering”, you could receive a mason jar with little red strings (I’m not sending you any strings–but you can send all the $$ you want for Missions and the Uganda Orphanage Project!).
Now the significance of the little red strings was lost on me (I’m sure they represented something), but every time I see a “red string”, I think about that funny skit, as the leader-pastor-evangelist talked in “radio announcer” voice. If he reads this, I hope he gets a good laugh at a good memory.
Several weeks ago, as I was half between sleep and awake, a thought began to formulate about how we, as a body of believers are so strategically created to work together. I thought of ropes. There are metal ropes and natural fiber ropes. This was also around the same time my thoughts were directed to the “life preservers”. A life preserver works to its fullest capacity when a rope is attached.
Every rope is made up of hundreds of strings….and woven in every string–are threads. Do you get where I’m going?
The Body of Christ’s description in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 talks about the purposes and usefulness of each part of the body. One part cannot function alone, but together–united–we can do much if we are all focused on one goal.
The hands cannot decide to work here while the feet want to go there. No, it must be a work in unison. So it is with missions. (YOU knew I would say that didn’t you?)
A single strand of string alone wouldn’t hold the life preserver to toss it out to a drowning individual…But intertwine that one piece of string with thousands of other strings and you now have a ROPE. As believers, when we are bound in prayerful purpose, we become a rope. When the “rope” is tied to the Life Preserver of Jesus Christ…tossed out in the deep waters of lost souls–they can get to safety (eternal life).
Go with me here for this last word picture: In the many strands of believers, there are many roles we all play in creating a rope: pastors, teachers, deacons, greeters and ushers, facility managers, Bible study leaders, small group leaders, nursery helpers, cafeteria helpers, missionaries, staff in the mission offices, staff in the church offices, children’s pastors, youth pastors, worship pastors, choir directors, musicians –and the list goes on and on…
When EACH and EVERY ONE of these “strings” are combined into one single purpose of reaching and leading the lost to Christ--we become a rope of great strength.
Alone–our outreach is limited–but together…
We can guide them to the Anchor.
© Angie Knight 2023. All rights reserved.
Jeff & Angie 